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Rockhounding near San Diego, CA

20 mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of San Diego — most are inside a 2 to 3 hour drive. Below: a map, the closest spots, what they produce, and full coordinates with access notes.

Covering parts of California.

Map of rockhounding spots within 150 miles of San Diego, California

Closest rockhounding spots to San Diego

The 6 nearest mapped spots, with straight-line distance and an approximate drive time.

Most-reported finds near San Diego

Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each material.

Hunting something specific near San Diego?

These materials have enough dedicated spots around San Diego to earn their own page, with distances and a separate map.

Every spot within 150 miles of San Diego

Sorted by distance from San Diego. Tap a row to open the spot detail page with full directions, access status, and nearby trips.

SpotCountyMineralsCoordinatesAccess
Victor MineTribal Access LaneSan Diego County33.2642, -116.9392Public
Himalaya Tourmaline Mine (Mesa Grande)Porter LaneSan Diego County33.0700, -116.6000Paid / fee
Mine Dumps (San Diego Co.)Highway 76San Diego County33.2355, -116.7591Public
Stewart MineHenderson RoadSan Diego County
  • Bismuth
33.3813, -117.0622Public
Unnamed Location (Allanite)Jeremy WaySan Diego County
  • Allanite
33.3864, -117.1041Public
Unnamed Location (Apatite/Aquamarine)Rancho Heights RoadSan Diego County33.3905, -117.0693Public
Dig for GemsMagee RoadSan Diego County
    		33.3898, -117.0497Paid / fee
    Ware MinePalomar Divide RoadSan Diego County33.3329, -116.7675Public
    Rouse HillRouse Hill RoadRiverside County33.6726, -116.7724Public
    Old Quarry (Riverside)Sierra AvenueRiverside County
    • Axinite
    		34.0167, -117.4159Public
    Area Near Jenson QuarrySierra AvenueRiverside County34.0257, -117.4332Public
    Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)West End RoadLos Angeles County33.4576, -118.5167Public
    Area Near Redondo BeachSouth Bay Bike PathLos Angeles County33.8828, -118.4125Public
    Malibu Lake AreaLake Vista TrailLos Angeles County
    • Analcite
    		34.1083, -118.7495Permission
    Unnamed Location (LA County)Heffner RoadLos Angeles County34.4367, -118.2229Public
    Tick CanyonLost Canyon RoadLos Angeles County34.4267, -118.3916Public
    Escondido CanyonAntelope Valley FreewayLos Angeles County34.4990, -118.2582Public
    Unnamed Location (Fire Agate)Bradshaw TrailRiverside County33.5080, -114.8241Public
    Bristol Dry LakeSan Bernardino County
    • Celestite Concretions
    		34.4622, -115.6739Public
    Amboy CraterAmboy Crater TrailSan Bernardino County34.5448, -115.7924Permission

    San Diego rockhounding FAQ

    Where can I go rockhounding near San Diego?+
    There are 20 mapped rockhounding spots within about 150 miles of San Diego, California. The closest is Victor Mine in San Diego County, roughly 40 miles away. The full list is on this page with coordinates and drive times.
    What rocks and minerals can you find near San Diego?+
    Spots within driving distance of San Diego most commonly produce quartz, lepidolite, beryl, chalcedony, albite, aquamarine.
    Is rockhounding legal near San Diego?+
    Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Each spot page on this site lists access status; always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
    How far do most rockhounders drive from San Diego?+
    Most weekend trips from San Diego fall inside a 2 to 3 hour drive, which is roughly the 150-mile radius shown on this page. Closer spots are good for half-day outings; the outer ones are better as overnight trips.

    More state coverage

    The spots above span 1 state. Open the state page for the full county-by-county view.

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